Review: Spider’s Revenge by Jennifer Estep (Elemental Assassin #5)

From Goodreads – Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very, very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was thirteen. Oh, I don’t think the mission will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more problematic than expected. The bitch knows I’m coming for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters Mab hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keeping Bria safe is my first priority. Taking Mab out is a close second. Good thing I’ve got my powerful Ice and Stone magic—and my irresistible lover, Owen Grayson—to watch my back. This battle has been years in the making, and there’s a good chance I won’t survive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s coming with me . . . no matter what I have to do to make that happen.

———-

Now THIS is how you start a book. I don’t know how I was expecting Spider’s Revenge by Jennifer Estep to start off, but it wasn’t like this. To tell you the truth, I was expecting somewhat of a predictable path while reading this fifth book in Jennifer’s ElementalAssassin series. That is, after all, what happened in the previous four books. Normally, we meet the villain of that particular tale, we see evil things happening by bad people, then Gin goes in and kills said villain ultimately saving the day. I actually enjoyed how it always played out in the previous books so I didn’t mind that that is what was going to happen in this book. Boy, was I wrong about that.

Spider’sRevenge starts with a bang and doesn’t end. Twist after twist after twist until the very last twist…then bam! The end. Is it still a predictable story? Yes. Did that make it any less enjoyable? Not at all. The ride in this book is finding out HOW it’ll all play out, not IF it will. Also, Urban Fantasy stories tend to make you want to punch something. Not a bad thing. It’s what makes us want to keep reading. But sometimes it’s nice to know that there will be a bit of closure at the end of each UF book and not just after book 7, or worst book 27!

Gin grows in this book and I liked what I saw. Bria and Finn and Owen are all there too, as are Jo-Jo and Sophia. I love them. Heck, I love them all! These characters are what make this series for me. And is Owen ever perfect for Gin! I couldn’t have asked for a better match for our girl.

The repetition that I usually find bothersome in this series wasn’t as bad this time around. There are still things that the author says repeatedly that I find unnecessary, but overall, the flow of the words was better for me.

Now on to book six where Bria, Gin, Finn and Owen go on vacation together. I love Bria with Finn and I love love love Gin with Owen. I can’t wait to see them all together in a more ‘relaxed’ setting. Although I’m sure if Jennifer has anything to say about it, it won’t stay relaxing for long. By a Thread is scheduled for release February 28th 2012.

As for Spider’s Revenge, THIS is how you should end a story arc. We come full circle and it works really well. I found myself smiling real wide when I reached the end because it really did end nicely. There were no huge unanswered questions, yet just enough open ends to keep things interesting in future installments. I am very much looking forward to meeting up with these wonderful characters once again.

4.5 stars

Giggle worthy quote

“Finn and Bria didn’t look at me or each other.

‘Right,’ Bria mumbled. ‘Although if it makes you uncomfortable—‘

‘Then Gin’s just going to have to deal with it,’ Finn cut her off.

Bria stared at him in surprise.

‘What?’ Finn said. ‘I worked too hard and too long to get you into my bed to just cut you loose now, cupcake.’

Bria’s eyes narrowed. ‘Cupcake?’

‘Cupcake.’ Finn grinned at her. ‘Or would you prefer snuggle bunny?’

Bria’s hand drifted down to the gun on her leather belt, as though she wanted to pull it out and shoot Finn with it. Well, it was good to know I wasn’t the only one who occasionally had that reaction to him.”

I just finished this one too! I really loved it! I am such a fan of this series. I love all the characters, even Finn! lol

I have to admit that I read your review of Tangled Threads when you posted it and now that you pointed out those writerly ticks and repeating she does, I noticed it a lot in Spiders Revenge. “Gin Joint” was used a lot and so was the phrase “and then we danced.” In a way I am glad that she reminds us the details but it was a little too much sometimes. I wonder if that will change in the upcoming books because it is the end of this arc of story line. Either way, I will read every book she releases in this series (unless it goes crazy off track *cough* Anita Blake *cough*) because I love it!

Shannon – Maybe it will be a little different now that we don’t need reminders as much. That’s a good point!

Paranormal Haven – Finn is the greatest. 🙂

Jen – Yeah…I didn’t really feel their reasoning neither, but I also didn’t understand why Gin was so mad. Even if they were just sitting there looking out the window, people would have gone there. But at least they get together! Woot to that! 🙂

BookaholicCat – “It’s good DH doesn’t read your blog” LMAO! And this is on my Kobo, so just ‘steal’ it and you’ll be good. 😉

This is definitely a series that everyone who loves UF talks about. I know I need to read it but I haven’t been able to even think about it. I’m glad that this book was different then the other 4 books even if it was still predictable! 😀 I’m glad you’re still enjoying the series and I hope it continues like that for you!

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I'm Julie and this blog is all about Romance and Urban Fantasy Book Reviews, Author Interviews, Guest Posts, Slices of Life and Silly Stuff Too!

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Rating System

I loved, loved, loved this book! I will definitely read it again and recommend it to anyone who will listen!
5 stars with extra lovin'! Not only am I going to re-read this book and recommended it often, but I will most likely cuddle with it a little too!
I loved this book. I will most likely pick it up again someday.
I truly enjoyed this book while I was reading it, but I don't see myself reading it again.
I was disappointed with this book. It was only okay and I skimmed through a few parts.
I really want to find the person who suggested this book and ask them why they thought reading it would be a valuable way to spend my ME time!